Johnathan Thurston

Thurston's previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2013 NRL season and the Kangaroos star had received lucrative offers from other clubs, including Penrith and Canterbury.

But Thurston has accepted a four-year deal with the Cowboys, reportedly for much less than the $5 million reported over the weekend.

Thurston cited his love for the club and the region as the reason behind the deal.

"My last contract was a tough decision but it had nothing on this," Thurston said at a Cowboys press conference.

"I personally want to thank the Sydney clubs that were interested and the individuals over there.

"The money wasn't the be all and end all for me. There was a fair bit knocked back but to remain in Townsville and finish my career here is something I wanted to do."

He says Townsville and North Queensland is a great place to stay, given he is looking to start a family of his own.

"I'm definitely delighted and relieved to get it out of the way, especially so early in the season," Thurston said.

"I can't put it down to one (reason) but there's many - starting a family, the lifestyle, the club, coming to training with the roster we've got, the boys we've got. I've got lots of friends and best mates here.

"I'm relieved, the last couple of weeks have been pretty tough to come to the decision and I've made it.

The money wasn't the be all and end all for me, there was a fair bit knocked back.

Johnathan Thurston

"I had that little bit of doubt but I've had a few days to think about it now and this is my decision."

Thurston is the third major re-signing for the Cowboys after they recently secured Origin props James Tamou and Matt Scott.

Cowboys general manager Peter Parr lauded Thurston's decision to sign on for less than what the Sydney clubs were offering.

"We're particularly happy on the back of some of our signings, everybody at the club is really happy our players are recommitting," Parr said.

"I know he's recommitted to our club for less money than what he could earn elsewhere. The club's very humbled that he took that course of action.

"It speaks volumes not only for our club, but for the region of North Queensland that he's decided to remain here."